Best jazz albums of 2012

CaptionVijay Iyer, "Accelerando" (ACT)

Getty Images

Already one of the most acclaimed pianists in jazz, Iyer shifts the focus to the undeniable pull of rhythm. In addition to intricate and immediate originals, Iyer gives songs by Duke Ellington, Henry Threadgill and Flying Lotus an inventive drive that moves both head and body.

Already one of the most acclaimed pianists in jazz, Iyer shifts the focus to the undeniable pull of rhythm. In addition to intricate and immediate originals, Iyer gives songs by Duke Ellington, Henry Threadgill and Flying Lotus an inventive drive that moves both head and body. (Getty Images)

A blues-soaked pairing of longtime West Coast collaborators, this duo's taut interplay builds on the strength of seven-string guitar, drums and recession-ravaged titles such as "Ghost Mall" and "Economy with Dignity."

A blues-soaked pairing of longtime West Coast collaborators, this duo's taut interplay builds on the strength of seven-string guitar, drums and recession-ravaged titles such as "Ghost Mall" and "Economy with Dignity." (Lenny Gonzalez / scottamendola.com)

A bold return by Cherry, this album sets "Buffalo Stance" memories aside with a fiery Scandinavian free-jazz trio. The results whip together the Stooges, Ornette Coleman and MF Doom to discover where punk, funk and jazz collide.

A bold return by Cherry, this album sets "Buffalo Stance" memories aside with a fiery Scandinavian free-jazz trio. The results whip together the Stooges, Ornette Coleman and MF Doom to discover where punk, funk and jazz collide. (Getty Images)

A meeting of generations in 72-year-old drummer and onetime Miles Davis sideman Hart, the Bad Plus' Ethan Iverson and understated saxophonist Mark Turner, this album connects beautifully with lush, thoughtful interplay and nods toward John Coltrane and Paul Bley.

A meeting of generations in 72-year-old drummer and onetime Miles Davis sideman Hart, the Bad Plus' Ethan Iverson and understated saxophonist Mark Turner, this album connects beautifully with lush, thoughtful interplay and nods toward John Coltrane and Paul Bley. (ECM Records)

Though nominated for a Grammy in the R&B category, Glasper was one of the stories of the year with this unique blend of hip-hop and soul that drew a new audience to his music. It didn't fit everyone's definition of the genre, but maybe that was the point.

Though nominated for a Grammy in the R&B category, Glasper was one of the stories of the year with this unique blend of hip-hop and soul that drew a new audience to his music. It didn't fit everyone's definition of the genre, but maybe that was the point. (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

By Chris Barton A selection of notable releases in another year that found jazz evolving as boundaries and definitions shifted and fell, leaving only the music behind. Best of 2012: Movies | TV | Pop music | Jazz | Video Games | Art | Theater | Dance | Classical...